GALLERIES and MUSEUMS (Jordan)

Jordan has a rapidly developing fine arts scene, including an increasing number of women artists. Today, artists from various Arab countries find artistic freedom and inspiration in Jordan . There are so many exhibits and openings in Amman that the English newspaper, The Jordan Times, runs a daily listing of events. The Jordan Association of Artists will help you put together a studio and gallery tour of Amman. Also, the Royal Cultural Centre and various foreign cultural centres often organise exhibitions for foreign and Jordanian artists.

THE GALLERY at the Jordan Inter -Continental Hotel, with paintings and photographs by local and foreign artists, and special exhibits for stained glass, old prints, and maps, Also pottery, artistic cards, old prints, books on Jordan and many other gifts. Hours 8:00-19:00 daily except Tuesdays . Telephone 630128

RIWAK AL-BALKAA FOR THE ARTS about half an hour from Amman. Exhibitions by foreign and Arab artists, poetry reading, outdoor theatre in summer and music performance in an ancient house in the courtyard, and a small complex of craft shops. Hours 10:00-13:00 and 15:00-20:00 Telephone 720677.

MUSEUMS :

JORDAN ARCHAEOLOGICAL MUSEUM at the Citadel, with a small, yet excellent, collection of antiquities dating from prehistoric times to the fifteenth century. Hours 8:00-17:00 daily except Tuesdays. Fridays and holidays from 10:00-16:00. Telephone 638795

JORDAN FOLKLORE MUSEUM at the Roman Theatre, a recreation of traditional life in Jordan, including costumes, home furnishings, musical instruments, and handicrafts. Hours 9:00-17:00 d
aily except Tuesdays. Fridays from 10:00-16:00. Telephone 651760

JORDAN POSTAL MUSEUM in Amman at the Ministry of Communications building on Eighth Circle, Jebel Amman, with a collection of old and new stamps. Hours 8:00-14:00, closed on Fridays, Telephone 624301

JORDAN UNIVERSITY ARCHAEOLOGICAL MUSEUM in Amman at the university campus, with excellent antiquities from the Bronze Age to the Islamic period. Hours 9:00-17:00, closed on Thursdays and Fridays. Telephone 843555 ext. 3412

JORDAN UNIVERSITY NATIONAL FOLKLORE MUSEUM in Amman at the university campus. Hours 9:00-17:00, closed on Thursdays and Fridays. Telephone 843555 ext 3739

MUSEUM OF AQABA ANTIQUITIES in Aqaba, displays from excavations in Aqaba, near the Mameluke fort. Hours 8:00-13:00 and 17:00-19:00 , and in winter 15:00-17:00, closed on Tuesdays. Telephone 03-313731

ROYAL CULTURAL CENTRE in Shmeisani near the Regency Hotel, offering concerts, recitals, and ballet. Call for a monthly program (telephone 669026, or 661026) or check the Jordan Times and the Jerusalem Star

JERASH FESTIVAL held in jerash in July. Folklore dances by local and international groups, ballet, concerts, plays, opera, popular singers, sales of traditional handicrafts and local theatrical plays and poetry competitions. Programs available from the Royal Cultural Centres. Telephone 669027.